It would be great if the GM version came with a serviceable thermostat that would fit our blocks.

Wonder what other improved parts could be bolted on?

From the few pictures I have seen it doesn't look like it.

From Wiki:

Updated VM R428 (our liberty) to the VW A428 is with 1800 bar common rail injection system and piezoelectric injectors. This is the same one used in Jeeps now overseas (with the better EGR) and I am sure there are reviews out there to compare the differences, but of course VM just allows GM to use their design and GM will modify to fit the US market, i.e. more emissions (DPF and such) so who knows on the reliability

It is not the responsiblity of VM Motori to test the vehicles that their engines are put into. Our power plant is used successfully in other configurations, it's the Chrysler design that goes around it that's breaking it.

It is not the responsiblity of VM Motori to test the vehicles that their engines are put into. Our power plant is used successfully in other configurations, it's the Chrysler design that goes around it that's breaking it.

Very true, it's Chrysler 's fault. Wrong wording on my side due to vw making their own engines...

I found this interesting regarding the origin/source of the 2.8 going into the Colorado. And yes, I've already floated the idea to the wife that we keep the Liberty and buy the 2016 Colorado (trade or sell her petro Passat wagon). She shot it down, but I'll keep picking at her. Oh yeah, here's the deets:The biggest powertrain news is that this new midsize will be the first of its class to get a turbo-diesel option: a U.S.-tuned 2.8-liter inline-four-cylinder Duramax GM has been using overseas. The engine was a joint design between GM and VM Motori several years ago but is now completely owned and used by GM in several global platforms. Although the Duramax name was created as a joint venture with Isuzu, the new engine is solely owned by GM, which no longer has a partnership with VM Motori after Fiat finalized its purchase of the diesel engine company last month. That came from http://news.pickuptrucks.com/2013/11/20 ... -look.html and check the link for additional pics of the motor. They changed a lot of stuff.

The first pic shows a MASSIVE EGR cooler on the side of the motor - like they took the CRD cooler and just tripled the size. Oh goody... But the rest of that engine is all fake. It is a show shell, no open ports for the intake / AC / other stuff visible. Just looks fake to me.

The second shot of the engine, where is the power steering pump? There isn't one in the serpentine pathway, and the tensioner on the top looks like a nightmare to change the belt on.

I really wish these "engineers" that are designing the engines would know what a wrench looks like and how to use one. Designing the whole thing on a computer without any concept of how to FIX it really makes things suck a lot for the grease monkeys. Think about this failure in design: To change the turbocharger on the VW Touareg V10 TDI (and their turbo is somewhat fragile like the CRD's - operated too close to the limits)... You have to pull the entire ENGINE FROM THE CAR.

To change the turbo.

I wonder what pain like that will be found in this new engine? I really really hope there isn't anything like that - I want this to succeed, so someone else offers a small truck with a diesel. VW, I'm looking at you and the Amarok.

_________________Provider of high quality timing belt jobs anywhere on the I-95 corridor. Need help? Just ask! I've probably taken it apart more than most.

The engines in the pictures are 'show' engines and not quite the same as what will be in production. GM is using a delphi injection system I have heard and the combustion system must have been reworked, new turbo, intake, etc. along with SCR and DPF. Low 30's unloaded on highway and 20 mpg or better while towing would be fantastic!